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ACTIVITIES GUIDE ABOUT MAURITIUS auritius, known officially as the Republic of Mauritius, is an island nation located off the coast of the African con- tinent in the southwest Indian Ocean. It is a volcanic M island of lagoons and palm-fringed beaches with coral reefs surrounding most of the coastline. Mauritius is situated approximately 2400 kilometers off the South East Coast of Africa. The island covers an area of 1,865 square kilometers or 720 square miles, with 330 kilometers of coastline. Mauritius is 45km in width and 65km in length. Mauritius is a densely populated island of around 1.2 million people. It has a reputation for stability and racial harmony among its mixed population. Mauritius is known as a plural society where all the ethnic groups present: Hindus, Muslims, Creoles, Chinese and Europeans live in peace and where all the ancestral cultures have been preserved. These features make the island a unique place in the world, and the Mauritians known for their tolerance and kindness towards all people. Most Mauritians are bilingual being equally fluent in French and Eng- lish. English is the official language, but French and Creole are widely spoken. Oriental languages also form part of the linguistic mosaic. Mauritius has preserved its image as one of Africa's few social and eco- nomic success stories, being a sugar and clothing exporter and a center for up market tourism. SEA AND WATER ACTIVITIES BLUE BAY MARINE PARK Blue Bay ound South East of Mauritius, the Blue Bay marine park is framed on one side by a couple of hotels and the runway of our international airport Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport. And sitting comfortably on top of the marine park is 'Ile des Deux Cocos', an islet within the lagoon, of 4.22 hectares. F An important and very unique network of coral reefs protect this part of the island from the oceanic waves. USEFUL INFORMATION The oldest corals are found between 'Ile aux Deux Cocos' (where there is a hotel project at Naiade Resorts !!) and the coastline 45 min drive from the hotel at a depth of 5.5 meters. And more than 50 different species of corals have been identified, out of which more than 80% are Snorkeling gear available on boats alive. The Blue Bay marine park has been proclaimed in 1997 to slow down the constant degradation of the marine environ- Trip lasts around 2 hrs ment, a result of urbanisation and tourism development in the area. The Coast Guard at the Marine Park is unfortunately too relaxed and the number of boats at the park will sooner or later damage the corals. Entrance is free, though you have to pay for the snorkeling boat ride. USEFUL INFORMATION BLUE SAFARI SUBMARINE STANDARD DIVE Grand Baie Adult MUR 3900 Chil (under 12) MUR 2300 lue Safari Submarine is the only operator of real submarines in the Indian Ocean. At 35 metres depth, your dream Baby (under 3) MUR 700 comes true as you discover the magic of the marine life. You will enjoy a rare and unforgettable experience, travelling in total security and comfort, on board very sophisticated air-conditioned submarines. A unique adventure which Exclusivity (sole use) MUR 25,000 B should not be missed, whether you are 2 or 90 years old. 2 hrs and 40 min under water The adventure begins upon boarding the surface vessel “Betty of the Mascareignes”. It has two ultrasound phones on-board, Wedding (sole use) MUR 48,000 which provide permanent communication with the submarine. During your 40-minite dive, amongst multicoloured fish, you 2 hrs and 40 min underwater including champagne will discover the beauty of the corals and who knows what surprise awaits you. Our pilots, trained in marine biology, will guide and a souvenir video you through your dive. Underwater Lunch MUR 57,000 Viewing the wreck of the “Star of Hope” and its numerous inhabitants, it is always a magical moment! During the descent, the 2hrs and 30 min of which 1hr and 30 min, a lunch at colours change as the infra red rays of the light, are filtered out by the water. At 20 meters depth, red becomes brown, then 35 meters of depth (max 2 persons) violet at 30 meters. Yellow becomes green, then blue, after 30 meters. Blue is the dominant colour of the deepest part of your dive. Champagne Dive MUR 31,000 2hrs of which 30 min underwater including champagne and canapés. 1hr30 min drive from the hotel. Booking to be made 24hrs in advance. Contact Information Blue Safari Submarine Royal Road Grand Bay Mauritius Tel: (+230) 263 3333 Fax: (+230) 263 3334 Email: [email protected] BIG GAME FISHING La Peche aux Gros USEFUL INFORMATION Note: All the tackle, rods and other equipment are auritius is renowned for being one of the best Big Game fishing destination worldwide. The sea drops to 70m included in the safari as well as soft drinks. (230ft) just 1 km (⅔ mile) from the coast, meaning that huge fish are there for the taking 15 minutes from the You are welcome to bring your own tackle as it is al- shore. Its tropical waters are home to blue and black stripe marlin, sharks, tuna, sail fish, bonitos, Wahoo, Do- ways nice to catch fish with your dream rod. M rado and the bécune. The most popular season for international anglers is from September to March, but big Change of clothes sun tan lotion factor 20 minimum, game fishing is possible year round . Polaroid sunglasses, a good hat and plenty of good humour. Your experience will be unsurpassed and unique from any fishing excursion you have been on before. Our Catch and release policy ensures that minimal impact is made to the precious marine ecosystems of Mauritius. 45 min drive from the hotel Booking to be made 24hrs in advance To bring Sun creams and a Hat/cap Trip lasts 5hrs(half day) or 9hrs(Full day) There is a shower and toilet on board Free beverages will be offered during the trip Please note that no lunch is included – please bring your own lunch Contact Information: Thévenau Residence Tamarin Mauritius Tel: +230 729 9120 E-Mail: [email protected] PARASAILING Various arasailing is the ideal excursion for those looking for a special sea-air activity. USEFUL INFORMATION Parasailing offers you a breathtaking bird's eye view of the beautiful lagoon and beaches of Mauritius, making it one P of the best things to do during your vacation in Mauritius. The total duration of this excursion is of about 45 minutes, including a parasail flight of about 15 min- Mauritius Attractions offers you to enjoy parasailing in several different locations in Mauritius. You can choose to experience utes. water skiing in any of the following locations: Comments: 1. Grand Baie (Mauritius North West) No particular physical conditions are necessary 2. Flic en Flac (Mauritius South West) This attraction is offered from the age of 6 3. Trou D’eau Douce (Mauritius central East coast) You can enjoy the parasailing every day but Sundays, 4. Blue Bay (Mauritius South East) operating hours: 9:00-16:00 1-2 people can parasail on the same parachute at the The parasailing begins with a short safety briefing. Then you will be taken by boat to the launch pod where you will later take off same time and start the parasailing. Flight duration: about 15 minutes Upon arrival to the launch pod, you will be connected with a secured certified harness to the parasail. Only after the ground assis- tants will check the rig and the flight harness they will signal the boat driver to start the engine and gradually accelerate the boat. Booking to be made 24hrs in advance You will slowly take off from the launch pod for a flight above the beautiful lagoon. 45 min or 1hr30 min drive from the hotel depending No steering is actually necessary as the sail follows the course of the boat. on places It is also optional to do a "touch and go", which means that on the way down, instead of just reeling back onto the boat, you will fly for a while above the ocean and then be lower down for a dip in the sea before going up again while enjoying a very refreshing plunge USEFUL INFORMATION UNDER SEA WALKING What to expect? Going for the underwater Sea Walk is like going for an underwater tour inside the reef, Grand Baie walking between corals, seeing variety of fish, and discovering the rich sea life underwater in the crystal he Underwater Sea Walk is one of the most unique attractions that one must experience when visiting Mauritius. It is clear blue water of the lagoon a true once in a life time experience for all the non divers out there! Experience the ultimate sensation where time stops, worries fade away and breathing underwater becomes possible, Comments T safe and easy... Total time of the excursion is approx. one and half Enjoy a safe and fascinating underwater walk on the ocean bed (about 3-4m depth), and witness firsthand the magnificent ma- hours (walk itself takes about 25 minutes). rine life of Mauritius, the beautiful fauna, corals, and a wide variety of fish, all in their natural habitat. Qualified experienced guides will accompany you along the course of the Underwater Sea Walk guaranteeing your maximum safety. The underwater walk is suitable for all people aged This is a wonderful experience and a great opportunity to discover the underwater world from within, and make your fantasies from 7 years old.